Isle of Man Steam Packet Company passengers visiting the Island for TT 2012 have raised £13,227 for essential medical and rescue equipment used around the Mountain course.

Ben-my-Chree and Manannan crew members organised collections during the TT period with the donations collected going to the Rob Vine Fund (registered Charity No 954 (Isle of Man)).

The Fund was founded in 1985 in memory of Rob Vine. The Steam Packet Company has, over the last 17 years, collected around £180,000 to help provide medical and rescue equipment and training for all doctors, paramedics and marshals involved in motorsport events in the Isle of Man.

Paul Turton, Passenger Services Supervisor, who helps co-ordinate the collections, said: ‘The Rob Vine Fund is very well known amongst visiting bikers and the generosity shown by the travelling public is amazing with bikers, non-bikers, visitors and locals all donating to the cause.’

Dr David Stevens, MBE, a Director of the fund said: ‘This collection is the single biggest contributor to the charity every year and helps with the upkeep of much of the medical and rescue equipment used around the TT course and in the rescue helicopters. We would like to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet crew for all its dedication to fundraising and the generosity of the people that have donated.’

Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘We are grateful to the travelling public for the donations which are vital in helping maintain the equipment for such a worthwhile charity. The work they carry out is vital and without their good work the much-loved motorsport events on the Island would not be able to take place.’